Congratulations to the 2017 winners of the Winsor & Newton Watts Painting Prize

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On Friday 16 June, the finalists for the 2017 Winsor & Newton Watts Painting Prize displayed their work for judging. Two artists were chosen as this year's winners: Julie Sumner and Michael Harley Forrister.

The Winsor & Newton Watts Painting Prize is awarded annually to a graduate of the University for the Creative Arts. Generously supported by Winsor & Newton since its launch in 2004, the prize of £750 in artist's materials is now sponsored by former Winsor & Newton Chairman Michael Henderson with valuable support from Winsor & Newton. The prize is both a prestigious endorsement and an opportunity for the winning artist to develop their work.

The Winsor & Newton Watts Painting Prize marks the long and important relationship between the Victorian artist G F Watts and William Winsor and Henry Newton, who collaborated in the development of new paints. Throughout his life Watts pushed new boundaries with both subject matter and technique.

As a young artist Watts received support from patrons to develop his career and in return, mentored and supported fellow contemporary artists. The Watts Painting Prize continues this ethos of supporting contemporary painting practice today.

Watts Gallery Trust would like to extend our congratulations to the winners for 2017.